Kidnappers

As Haruki was shopping for the ingredients he used for cooking, he felt a constant gaze upon him. However, he chose to ignore it, as this kind of attention had become a daily occurrence due to his popularity. After three days of feeling constantly observed, Haruki decided to confront the situation. He slipped into a dimly lit alley, the narrow space swallowed by the towering buildings.

While Haruki knew that his abilities might not compare to those of the summoned heroes, he drew strength from his experience in combat. These memories harkened back to his high school days, where he had often found himself in situations that required quick thinking and self-defense.

He remembered the days when he had been an unassuming high school student, carrying the weight of loneliness and missed opportunities. It was during that time that he had often been a target for delinquents who seemed to take pleasure in picking fights. They had often singled him out without any provocation, a reminder of the cruelty that sometimes lurked in the most unexpected places.

Despite being a student of peaceful disposition, Haruki had developed a certain resilience during those days. He had learned to navigate the turbulent waters of high school, where peer pressure and conformity were often the order of the day. And while he had never sought out fights, he had certainly acquired the skills to defend himself when the need arose.

The echoes of those high school conflicts now served him well in this unfamiliar world. Haruki's ability to remain calm under pressure and his combat experience from those earlier days provided him with an unexpected advantage. While he might not possess the innate powers of a hero, his resourcefulness and battle-tested skills were invaluable in this new and unpredictable realm.

The atmosphere soon shifted, and three imposing figures, armed with menacing weapons, revealed themselves. Haruki, undaunted, reached into his inventory and summoned his trusted gauntlet, its polished surface gleaming softly in the dim light.

Without hesitation, the first attacker lunged at Haruki with a sword. He unleashed a series of swift and relentless strikes, right to left, and then a powerful downward cleave. But Haruki's movements were nothing short of extraordinary. His lithe form moved with a grace that seemed almost otherworldly.

Haruki's evasion was flawless. He sidestepped each strike with a fluidity that was both mesmerizing and impossible to predict. The assailant's frustration grew as his sword found only empty air. In a split second, Haruki seized his opportunity, striking the attacker's knee with precision. The man lost his balance and crashed to the ground, his sword clattering beside him.

Before Haruki could capitalize on this advantage, the other two attackers rushed to their comrade's aid. Their weapons cut through the air with incredible speed and force, but Haruki remained untouched. He danced around their attacks with an elegant ease that defied belief, a phantom among men.

Now the tide was turning. Haruki approached one of the assailants with fluid grace, grasping the man's head. With the precision of a martial artist, he delivered a devastating knee strike to the attacker's face. The sound of impact filled the narrow alley as the assailant gasped for breath and crumpled to the ground.

The remaining attacker, his eyes filled with fear and rage, held his weapon with an unyielding grip, showing no sign of surrender. He was determined to fight to the end, despite the overwhelming odds against him.

Haruki assessed the situation and recognized the need to act swiftly. With a calculated step, he approached his adversary, his movements steady and unwavering. The tension in the alley was palpable as the two faced off, one armed with a sword and the other with a gleaming gauntlet.

In a quick, precise motion, Haruki parried the attacker's diagonal sword swing, the metallic clash echoing in the confined space. Seizing the opportunity, he delivered a powerful uppercut to the man's jaw, causing his head to snap backward. The attacker staggered, disoriented by the sudden blow.

With relentless determination, Haruki continued his assault. He followed the uppercut with a swift and brutal gut punch, leaving the assailant breathless and vulnerable. The pain etched across the man's face was unmistakable.

As the attacker teetered on the edge of consciousness, Haruki executed his final move. With a breathtaking display of skill and power, he delivered an axe kick to the man's face. The force of the blow was devastating, and the attacker crumpled to the ground, defeated and unconscious.

The dimly lit alley bore witness to the fierce and masterful display of combat skills as Haruki emerged victorious against all odds.

Haruki let out a sigh as he looked at the three subdued attackers, their struggles against their restraints a testament to their desperation. He couldn't help but wonder about the motives behind this sudden confrontation. As thoughts swirled in his mind, he made a decision.

*Finally finished tying them up,* he thought. *Now, I should find a guard.*

Emerging from the alley, Haruki spotted Mark, a familiar face and a regular at the tavern where he worked. Mark had become a friend over time, sharing stories and drinks, and Haruki felt comfortable seeking his help.

"Mark, I need help," Haruki called out.

Mark turned with a friendly grin. "Sure, what is it?"

Haruki proceeded to explain the encounter with the attackers and then led Mark back to the alley where the captives were bound.

Mark's eyes widened as he surveyed the scene. "Wow, I didn't know you could fight, Haruki."

Haruki chuckled, somewhat modest. "Well, yeah, I might not be on the level of those heroes, but I can still protect myself."

After the situation was reported to the guards, Haruki bid Mark farewell and resumed his shopping, albeit with a heightened sense of caution.

Returning to the familiar atmosphere of the tavern, he was met with curiosity from his colleagues and regular customers.

"So, how was the shopping?" Gus asked.

Haruki sighed, his eyes narrowing in frustration. "It was okay, but some bastard tried to mess with me."

Gus, along with the other customers seated at the tavern, reacted with a mixture of shock and anger.

"Who were they?" they demanded in unison, their expressions darkening with a hint of menace.

"I've yet to find out," Haruki replied, "because they suddenly attacked. But after I defeated them, I noticed a symbol on their necks. It's a triangle with an eye in the middle."

A hush fell over the tavern as Gus and the patrons exchanged knowing glances. The air was heavy with tension.

"A triangle with an eye in the middle," Gus muttered. "Don't tell me it's the Dark God Cult. But wait a minute, did you just say that you defeated them?" He looked at Haruki in disbelief.

Haruki simply nodded. Gus couldn't help but laugh, a hearty, hearty laughter that filled the tavern.

"Hahahahahaha! Well, that was unexpected. I didn't think that you knew how to fight because you're always in the kitchen, thinking of ways to improve your recipes."

Haruki smiled in response, appreciating the humor in the situation, even though he knew that the encounter might lead to further complications.

As Haruki shared his story of the attackers with the tavern's patrons, a sense of concern and anger rippled through the gathered customers. Their reactions varied, but there was an undeniable collective response to the unsettling news.

Gus's eyebrows furrowed with concern, his jovial demeanor replaced by a stern expression. He glanced at the customers around him, and they nodded in agreement, their eyes flashing with a hint of anger.

The group of adventurers sitting at the nearby table, sturdy and battle-worn, exchanged meaningful glances. Some clenched their fists, while others shifted in their seats, their instincts urging them to protect their favorite cook.

Amid the crowd, Sarah, a regular customer and a local healer, expressed her worry. "Haruki, you're always so kind to everyone. This is completely unfair." Her voice held a soothing tone, but her words revealed her concern for his safety.

Roger, a burly blacksmith who often dined at the tavern, spoke up with a deep, grumbling voice. "No one messes with our cook, especially in his own territory."

Anya, a mage known for her quick temper, shot a fierce look around the room. "If they show their faces again, they'll regret it. We'll make sure of that."

The mood in the tavern shifted from a warm and welcoming atmosphere to one of unity and determination. Haruki was not just the cook; he was a valued member of their community.

Gus raised his glass, a glint of seriousness in his eyes. "We'll keep an eye out, Haruki. If anyone threatens you, they'll have to answer to all of us."

The customers nodded in agreement, their camaraderie and support for Haruki evident. While the threat of the Dark God Cult loomed, they were determined to stand together to protect their friend and fellow tavern-goer.

With the unwavering support of his fellow customers and Gus, Haruki felt a renewed sense of security and belonging. The camaraderie that had developed over years of shared meals and laughter had now transformed into a protective shield around him.

As the evening wore on, the atmosphere in the tavern gradually returned to its usual warmth. Patrons enjoyed their meals, laughter filled the air, and the lively conversations resumed. It was as if the earlier threat had been banished, replaced by the comforting embrace of the tavern's community.

Haruki couldn't help but smile as he returned to his kitchen, knowing that he had friends and allies who had his back. He continued to prepare delicious dishes, each plate prepared with the care and attention that had made him beloved in the community.

The night wore on, and soon, the patrons began to disperse, each bidding Haruki a warm farewell and expressing their hopes for his safety. Among those who left, some were adventurers, promising to investigate the symbol on the attackers' necks and gather more information.

Haruki knew that, with the support of his friends and the watchful eyes of the tavern's regulars, he would be better prepared for any future threats. He found comfort in the knowledge that he was not alone, even in the face of the mysterious Dark God Cult.

Haruki entered his room, a simple yet comfortable space with a window that framed a breathtaking view. The soft moonlight bathed the landscape in an ethereal glow, casting gentle shadows and illuminating the beauty of the night.

The inn was situated in an ideal location, offering a panoramic vista of the kingdom below. From this vantage point, Haruki could see the city's sparkling lights, like stars on the ground. The outline of the grand castle was visible in the distance, its towering spires a testament to the kingdom's majesty.

As he stood by the window, the cool night breeze gently ruffled the curtains, bringing with it the scent of the surrounding gardens. The kingdom was known for its stunning flora, and the fragrance of the flowers wafted through the air, a soothing balm to Haruki's senses.

Haruki marveled at the view, his heart filled with a sense of peace and wonder. It was a stark contrast to the chaotic events of the day. The world outside seemed to hold endless possibilities and secrets, and Haruki was determined to explore them all.

With a contented sigh, he retired to his comfortable bed, the enchanting scenery serving as a backdrop to his dreams. As he drifted off to sleep, he couldn't help but feel that this world held more surprises and adventures than he could have ever imagined.